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We are happy to announce that the Tesla Ranger mobile service team is taking the auto service experience to a new level. Our Rangers now make “house calls” anywhere in the United States or Canada, and we will soon roll out the program in all markets where we sell cars. We charge a buck a mile -- $1 per roundtrip mile from the nearest Tesla service center, with a minimum charge of $100.

As the world’s newest carmaker, we have the opportunity to rethink every aspect of the industry. As we developed our service and maintenance program, we looked beyond the auto industry to the companies with the best examples of customer service – including the online retailer Zappos.com, Geek Squad computer repair service and organic food home-delivery companies. Our strategy reflects Tesla’s goal to take an uncompromising approach to everything we do, and we hope our Rangers set a new standard for the industry.

How It Works

The Roadster is already one of the most convenient cars to own because you never need to take a detour to a gas station. You simply charge it overnight, and wake to the equivalent of a full tank. Additionally, the Roadster requires much less routine service than a car with a traditional internal combustion engine. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have fewer breakable moving parts, no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Zero tailpipe emission means no smog checks. We recommend a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year or every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) – and we can even perform that at your home or office.

Tesla owners – more than 700 so far -- can already upload data from their Roadster and send it to us on a memory stick, allowing us in many cases to diagnose and remedy problems before ever looking at the car. When maintenance or service is required, you simply schedule a Ranger to service the car at your house or office. Rangers are based at regional Tesla showrooms and stand-alone service centers, which we are opening throughout the country. Rangers can perform an array of procedures at your home, from annual inspections and firmware upgrades to full replacement of a power electronics module and other mechanical and electrical components. If service is more extensive and requires a vehicle lift, we can coordinate shipping of your car to and from the nearest center.

Peace of Mind

Our “buck a mile” charge is less than our actual cost, but gives us significant flexibility. Most important, we believe that our mobile service strategy offers peace of mind – even for customers in Alaska, Hawaii and other distant locations. You can rest assured that our service and prices are guaranteed wherever we sell cars, and we are even revising current customers’ warranties to reflect this new benefit.

Our technicians work closely with Tesla engineers and with our research and development teams in Silicon Valley. That allows us to spot problems, find solutions, and incorporate improvements faster than other car manufacturers. In fact, our 2010 Roadsters included numerous enhancements based on direct customer feedback. The ongoing dialog helps us refine our service and our cars. Let’s keep it up!

Excellent. This is just the kind of exceptional service that many of us early believers and customers expected. Although I am not as far away as some, driving 2.5 - 3 hours, one-way, in a heavily traveled corridor is definitely inconvenient. Way to go, Tesla!

Way to go Tesla!!! This is such an innovative customer service concept for an innovative company. I feel this will spur an industry change. Good Luck and Godspeed.

Nicu

7:30am | Oct 7, 2009

Good job !

Tom A.

7:24am | Oct 8, 2009

That is great since there will be so few stores per continent.

Unfortunately, these are going to be gas-powered service vehicles, right? With the potentially long distances and no charging infrastructure, I guess there's no choice right now.

Perhaps you could quick-charge an electric van while you service the customer's vehicle, using the customer's installation? Deduct the cost from the service call fee, or, since Tesla owners probably wouldn't miss a couple dollars of electricity for the rare necessity of a house call, just consider it part of the fee.

I live in the DC region and am looking forward to visiting your new store (when it's finished, of course). I expect to put in my $5k reservation for a Model S next year. Even if Tesla never gets beyond a specialty brand, Mr. Musk is right that the company is a kick in the rear and a powerful catalyst.

It is truly remarkable that Tesla is outperforming everyone else in real-world electric vehicle viability. By the Model S's debut in late 2011, the Ford Focus electric will be out, but only having a range of about 80+ miles, and the Nissan Cube electric will have been out, but it's range isn't much better (and ugly as sin, in my personal opinion, not to mention innefficient - the drag coefficient has to be staggering).

Keep up the excellent work. I hope you become the next Ford (in a good way). Speaking of which, what's the Model T going to look like, and is it on pace to be rolling off the assembly line in 2014? I hope so. My future Model S will need an affordable electric friend!

Tom A.

10:01am | Oct 9, 2009

I also applaud Tesla for not falling into that selfish, all-American "go-it-alone" trap. The separate power train plant is awesome for enabling other automakers to go electric far faster than had they struck out on their own.

For example, Daimler claimed that partnering with Tesla saved them nearly a decade of R&D.

On the other hand, it was sad, but typical, that Chrysler flat-out refused Tesla's repeated offers to make a powertrain for their minivan. Chrysler stated that the minivan was their creation from the beginning, and so they are going to do everything by themselves. There was no argument relating to a claim of superiority of their own product - the decision was a result of selfishness and ignorance. Those sorts of attitudes are what brought Chrysler to it's knees to begin with.

What a great customer service idea! The Ranger Squad will certainly encourage those potential customers, in outlying areas, to feel comfortable buying a Tesla. I suspect my little island is a bit to distant for the Ranger Squad.
Go Tesla!
Philip

James Anderson Merritt

3:33pm | Oct 11, 2009

Excellent idea, and I can't wait until Tesla sends its Rangers into the field with eVans. Perhaps the service kit can be optimized to fit within a modified Model-S, once that vehicle is available. (This would certainly "one-up" the Geek Squad and their fleet of nerdy service vehicles.)

Is there some kind of "university" where one can study to join the Tesla Rangers? My skills lean more to the computer side of things than the automotive side, but I'm hoping it wouldn't take too long to pick up the latter.

I am excited by your vision of the Model S. I'm looking forward to being an owner. I am in the midst of watching your presentation (audio slideshow) of your Adobe MAX conference appearances. Your design concepts for the user interface is thought provoking. I hope you would consider this idea:

A touchpad on the steering wheel. It need not be full color, though it could be a portable gadget holder (for example, I'd use my Android phone, or iPhone, etc.). Simply, a mouse trackpad would suffice on the steering wheel... it would enable some simple control of the 17" touchscreen (while safely keeping fingers on the steering wheel)... further still, I'd like to see some more control over the speedo/odometer area: As it's right underneath my street eye-line -- it's a perfect place for me to get some quick info, e.g. Caller ID info, next directions from GPS, next song preview?, etc.

touchpad (and/or docking station) in the steering wheel . (the default app could be a horn)

robert ray

11:51pm | Oct 13, 2009

I have a production number for the upcoming S model but am increasingly apprehensive about the limited range. I make a 400 mile trip each month and do not relish an overnight 100 miles short of my destination. I keep reading increasingly glowing reports about the zinc-air battery configuration with a resultant range of 2 or more times that of the Lithium with similiar weight and Less Costs! I'm sure somebody there is noticing the reports. Any comment?

jay

3:27pm | Oct 14, 2009

Could someone explain the technology regarding what Elon Musk said:

Musk cited a new battery chemistry called lithium-air. "It's got 10 times the energy density of the battery packs we're using today, and when that technology comes to market – it still has a lot of challenges to overcome – it will have a 2,000-kilometre range."

Timo

10:19pm | Oct 14, 2009

Jay, best is to google lithium-air. Basically that is very light battery tech where cathode uses oxygen from air in surrounding space. In a way that resembles fuel cell a lot. Because it uses air and lithium is very light material those batteries have *very* good Wh/kg (weight) rating. Not so good in Wh/l (volume). That tech has been around for some time now, but it has been primary batteries (IE. not rechargeable), and not until very recently there has been any rechargeable versions of that tech.

And BTW that is 2000 miles, not kilometeres. Theoretic capacity of that tech is well beyond ten times current tech. Closer to hundred times (tens of kWh/kg instead of 200Wh/kg of current techs). With that density batteries are very close to theoretical energy contained in fossil fuels.

There are several projects investigating and developing Li-Air cells. With some publicity e.g. the one at IBM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmHZhBqI500 ) .
You will find some explaniations in this video. Essentially in the Li-air the reaction is similar to a combustion reaction. As you use oxygen from the air, at least that weight has not to be carried around. But all is at very early stages. Buy your Roadster today. You will have a lot of fun until you will have to replace its battery - with a new and much better battery by then of course.
- Alfred

CM

10:48pm | Oct 15, 2009

robert ray: Tesla Motors is developing a fast charging system that could recharge the Model S in 45 minutes or less, so consider the possibility of driving over 200 miles, then pulling into a roadside diner with a "park & charge" lot, plug in the fast charger, then go use the facilities and have lunch or a snack, then both you and the car will be ready for another 200 to 300 miles. If that isn't fast enough, Tesla is also developing a battey swapping system, just swap the spent battery for a fully charged battery and go.

Zinc-Air batteries have problems with recharging, they tend to grow long zinc crystals with each recharge, with just a few charge cycles those growing zinc crystals short out the battery. There is research ongoing to solve this problem. An alternative is the "zinc-air fuel cell", which is recharged by refilling with zinc pellets and the waste zinc oxide drained off to be recycled into new zinc pellets. That would make for fast recharging, and might make an excellent "range extender" for an EV.

Thank you all for the replies on lithium air tech. Very interesting. I have some reading to do.

Tim

1:33pm | Oct 16, 2009

When the lithium air batteries come out and Tesla starts using them, the price will probably go way up on the ESS. Even switching the current pack with LiFePO4 batteries will shoot the price up.

James

5:23pm | Nov 6, 2009

Excellent! Innovatative approach - all the best Tesla.

Rick

1:59pm | Nov 12, 2009

@Vikram's steering wheel docking station/touchpad idea...

I wouldn't want to be smashed in the face w/ my iPod when the air bag deploys...

Joel Kovac

1:39am | Nov 15, 2009

Tesla Motors should seriously consider kits for retro fitting older model cars and trucks . Honestly, your cars look cool, but some people like myself want to retrofit a light car, truck, mini van from the past. If the price is right, more people would want a conversion/ retro fit. Then you guys can install and service the EV motors and drive train. This could be done on a Saturn (which will be hard to come by for parts), 1986 toyota celica supra, Geo Tracker 1995 LXi, 1969 VW van wagon, and you get the picture. you...know what i am saying?

acsel

3:55pm | Nov 15, 2009

Hello i was wandering if you could make a roadster hard top and coat the hood the bonnet windows and the hard top whit fotovoltaic foil, painted in the cars colors.That will improve the millage with more than 25%, and you will beat the paradox that the car could remain out of energy in the desert or everywhere...you just wait an the car charges by it self.
This could be done with available technology an would be a huge advance to the car.
a young engineer from Romania

I was wondering if it was possible to modify the whole body of Tesla cars so as to drive a sell-charging car: the body panels would house hundreds of solar cells which would allow much longer distances between two conventional electricity recharges. Your car would basically self-charge when parked outside while shopping.
When is that going to be happening as a routine technology?

Sébastien Brouillard

3:12pm | Dec 4, 2009

The Tesla Mobile Service is a very great idea, good job! I am 800 km far from the nearest Tesla retailer (Toronto & NYC), but I hope you will soon be able to open a store in Montréal. Electric cars are even more efficient in the province of Québec because our electricity is mostly made of hydroelectricity, maybe the cleanest way to produce electricity. It would illuminated close to 98% of our automobile CO2 production. Maybe you could have a retail point at Jonh Scotti, in Montréal, the already sell practically all exotics cars...

I am looking forward to be a Tesla owner!

P.S. I'm sorry if my English writing skills are not perfect... I'm French Canadian!

Arnie

4:57am | Dec 7, 2009

BRAVO!! for the whole concept. I am excited to see the start up and possibilities. As an average Joe I am waiting for the day there is an electric that will do 200 miles on a charge, seat 4, with out all of the extra's about the size of a Taurus. I don't need a phone in the car, navigation. I need AC/heat, radio/cd player, and the ability to commute to work or get across the metroplex and back. The 25-30K price point. Get the job done and you have at lest one sold!! The proof will be in the pudding-time and durability. I drive about 15000 miles per year.

I didn't realize until tonight that Tesla is offering a car in the $50k range. This gives me hope! Still beyond what I can afford, but hopefully as the company grows it will offer an EV in the $20-25k range. The service ranger concept is exciting, as well! If my income ever increases, or if Tesla offers a car in my price range, I will scarf one up as fast as you can say "Tesla". In the meantime, I'll be less excited to consider the LEAF. Hopefully within the next several years we'll all be triumphiantly shouting "We Killed The Gas-Powered Car?" !!

Marc

1:38pm | Jan 19, 2010

I think tesla can change things.. in a more green way of transportation and not only with a few models, when the model S will release, more people will be able to buy it ! and then maybe they will release a -30K car ! this day will change the world. I have stayed informed since the Roadster wansn't even out and they always impressed me ! Sorry if i did errors english is my secoud language. P.S I will have a Tesla one day! it's my dream.

Jorge

9:10am | Jan 27, 2010

I wonder when is Tesla producing a six speed manual car for people like me who love the feeling of being in control.

Ron Gonshorowski

3:27pm | Jan 31, 2010

I like the service plan concept.
I am waiting for the debut of the Model S.

Hi, will you visit europe e.g. germany ? We would love to see you here. The new shop in munich is great. Please Keep us posted !

edward

10:52pm | Apr 20, 2010

reading thinds like this makes me seriously consider saving my money to order a model s when they start being avaliable in 2012 as i doubt i could get the financing at a rate i'd like lol

gale dickson

7:56am | Apr 24, 2010

What is the cost to fully recharge the battery pack from a fully depleted battery at $.10 per kilowatt. I would also like to open a dealership in Little Rock Artkansas if that is possible.

Thanks,
Gale Dickson

neroden

11:57am | Apr 25, 2011

Robert Ray: "I make a 400 mile trip each month"

A 400 mile one-way trip is a fairly unusual situation. Doing it monthly is even more unusual.

You may, indeed, not be the target audience for the model S. Most of us make trips longer than 200-miles-one-way less than twice a year, and do not have such problems.

If, however, your route will take you past a suitable fast charging station, you will have no problem.

Charging station plugs have *finally* been standardized (just a year or two ago) so that it can be the same for all electric cars; and independent of Tesla, I happen to know that networks of charging stations are being installed from LA to San Francisco and from Portland to Eugene.

You may also find that RV parks provide sufficiently fast charging; they generally have 240V sockets with high amperage. They have been the "secret charging network" for a lot of EV owners. There are websites documenting the available power at, and the location of, different RV campsites.

If your 400 mile drive is through unelectrified rural Alaska, however, you may need to stick with liquid fuels.

bmckinle

11:22am | May 10, 2011

Living in San Antonio at a buck a mile means about $800 for a round-trip service trip from Dallas. This is not reasonable. Lot's of would-be Tesla owners in SA if the conditions are right. Someone from Tesla should fly (I'd drive the car!) into SA and check out the car market. They'd be pleasantly surprised at the potential market and accelerating car consumer purchasing power. ;o}

txjak

1:54pm | May 18, 2011

Unfortunately, Texas law apparently prohibits Tesla (or any manufacturer) from owning and operating stores in the state, so there may not be any in Texas in the foreseeable future. That said, perhaps Tesla could utilize "roving" rangers from a neighboring state in Texas, allowing them to service multiple customers before returning to their out-of-state home base and spreading the mileage charges amongst them.

It would be interesting to see how the $1/mile cost of the Ranger service compares to the cost of a new brick and mortar dealership.

I'll probably hang on to my Model S reservation anyway, since the picture for Texas could change by they time they get to my number.

Onaka

7:17am | Aug 11, 2011

Wow. That's harsh. Experience tells me there's no way in hell you're opening more than one service center in all of Finland; that service center is also going to be in the capital. If my car stops moving, I'd need to pay you 416 € (because I've never seen a US based company actually convert dollars into euros correctly) just for the technician to visit me on top of the expensive parts and labor. Sounds to me like all the components of a ripoff.

Joel.wattum

5:13am | Mar 28, 2012

Well Onaka I feel your pain but, we did reserve an S model too and, live in Alaska. The ranger fee there is close to 4000.00 US dollars (yes even though we still get people in the lower 48 asking what kind of money we use it is Federal Reserve Notes) I did ask about training and possibly becoming trained to service my vehicle and others in Alaska. Have not had a positive response to date but, it is still early in the program. I have quite a technical background as an aircraft mechanic and believe I could easily adapt to EV. It is the way to go and some of us have to forge ahead with new frontiers and technology.

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